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Opening of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

Opening of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

The traditional "ukai" cormorant fishing season starts on the Nagara River in the central Japan city of Gifu on May 11, 2026.

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Opening of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

Opening of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

The traditional "ukai" cormorant fishing season starts on the Nagara River in the central Japan city of Gifu on May 11, 2026.

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Opening of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

Opening of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

The traditional "ukai" cormorant fishing season starts on the Nagara River in the central Japan city of Gifu on May 11, 2026.

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Opening of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

Opening of cormorant fishing season in central Japan

The traditional "ukai" cormorant fishing season starts on the Nagara River in the central Japan city of Gifu on May 11, 2026.

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Japan Parade in New York

Japan Parade in New York

Geiko traditional female entertainers from the southwestern Japan prefecture of Nagasaki wave to onlookers in New York on May 9, 2026, at the Japan Parade, an event showcasing Japanese culture.

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Japan Parade in New York

Japan Parade in New York

Geiko traditional female entertainers from the southwestern Japan prefecture of Nagasaki wave to onlookers in New York on May 9, 2026, at the Japan Parade, an event showcasing Japanese culture.

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Japan Parade in New York

Japan Parade in New York

Geiko traditional female entertainers from the southwestern Japan prefecture of Nagasaki wave to onlookers in New York on May 9, 2026, at the Japan Parade, an event showcasing Japanese culture.

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Traditional dragon boat race in Okinawa

Traditional dragon boat race in Okinawa

Traditional marine event Naha Hari is held in Naha in the southern Japan island prefecture of Okinawa on May 5, 2026, with three dragon boats taking part in a 600-meter race.

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Traditional dragon boat race in Okinawa

Traditional dragon boat race in Okinawa

Traditional marine event Naha Hari is held in Naha in the southern Japan island prefecture of Okinawa on May 5, 2026, with three dragon boats taking part in a 600-meter race.

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Traditional dragon boat race in Okinawa

Traditional dragon boat race in Okinawa

Traditional marine event Naha Hari is held in Naha in the southern Japan island prefecture of Okinawa on May 5, 2026, with three dragon boats taking part in a 600-meter race.

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Traditional dragon boat race in Okinawa

Traditional dragon boat race in Okinawa

Traditional marine event Naha Hari is held in Naha in the southern Japan island prefecture of Okinawa on May 5, 2026, with three dragon boats taking part in a 600-meter race.

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Ritual for Aoi festival in Kyoto

Ritual for Aoi festival in Kyoto

A woman clad in a 12-layer traditional Japanese kimono, having been chosen to play this year's Saio-dai heroine during the upcoming annual Aoi Festival in Kyoto, purifies herself at Shimogamo Shrine in the western Japan city on May 4, 2026.

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Ritual for Aoi festival in Kyoto

Ritual for Aoi festival in Kyoto

A woman clad in a 12-layer traditional Japanese kimono, having been chosen to play this year's Saio-dai heroine during the upcoming annual Aoi Festival in Kyoto, purifies herself at Shimogamo Shrine in the western Japan city on May 4, 2026.

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"Mibu Kyogen" drama in Kyoto

"Mibu Kyogen" drama in Kyoto

Performers shove dishes from the stage in a popular dish-smashing routine during a "Mibu Kyogen" traditional drama at Mibu temple in Kyoto on April 29, 2026.

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"Mibu Kyogen" drama in Kyoto

"Mibu Kyogen" drama in Kyoto

Performers shove dishes from the stage in a popular dish-smashing routine during a "Mibu Kyogen" traditional drama at Mibu temple in Kyoto on April 29, 2026.

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"Mibu Kyogen" drama in Kyoto

"Mibu Kyogen" drama in Kyoto

Performers shove dishes from the stage in a popular dish-smashing routine during a "Mibu Kyogen" traditional drama at Mibu temple in Kyoto on April 29, 2026.

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New Year celebration in Yangon

YANGON, Myanmar, April 15 Kyodo - People splash water during Thingyan traditional New Year celebration in Yangon on April 14, 2026. (Kyodo)

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New Year celebration in Yangon

New Year celebration in Yangon

People splash water during Thingyan traditional New Year celebration in Yangon on April 14, 2026.

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New Year celebration in Yangon

New Year celebration in Yangon

People splash water during Thingyan traditional New Year celebration in Yangon on April 14, 2026.

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New Year celebration in Yangon

New Year celebration in Yangon

People splash water during Thingyan traditional New Year celebration in Yangon on April 14, 2026.

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China: Man Demonstrates Precision Slingshot Fishing Technique in Anhui Pond

On March 23, 2026, in Anhui, China, a man demonstrated a traditional fishing technique using a slingshot-like device, striking a fish in a pond with a single, precise shot. The clip showcased the speed and accuracy required for this skill, leaving viewers impressed.

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Traditional dance performance in Kyoto

Traditional dance performance in Kyoto

A final practice session is held in Kyoto on March 31, 2026, ahead of dance performances by Japanese traditional female entertainers called "geiko" and their "maiko" apprentices, set to be held from April 1 to 30.

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Traditional dance performance in Kyoto

Traditional dance performance in Kyoto

A final practice session is held in Kyoto on March 31, 2026, ahead of dance performances by Japanese traditional female entertainers called "geiko" and their "maiko" apprentices, set to be held from April 1 to 30.

  •  
Traditional dance performance in Kyoto

Traditional dance performance in Kyoto

A final practice session is held in Kyoto on March 31, 2026, ahead of dance performances by Japanese traditional female entertainers called "geiko" and their "maiko" apprentices, set to be held from April 1 to 30.

  •  
Traditional dance performance in Kyoto

Traditional dance performance in Kyoto

A final practice session is held in Kyoto on March 31, 2026, ahead of dance performances by Japanese traditional female entertainers called "geiko" and their "maiko" apprentices, set to be held from April 1 to 30.

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Japan: Cherry Blossoms Paint Tokyo Pink as Spring Arrives 2

Cherry blossoms have been in bloom across Tokyo's parks and roadsides, painting the city in soft shades of pink and bringing joy to residents enjoying the fleeting beauty of spring. Over the weekend, crowds of people flocked to the streets and parks to enjoy hanami, the traditional custom of viewing cherry blossoms in full bloom.

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Japan: Tokyo’s Iconic Rikugien Weeping Cherry Tree Reaches Full Bloom

Rikugi-en Garden in Bunkyo, Tokyo, is home to a stunning weeping cherry tree that becomes one of the city's most beloved cherry blossom spots each spring. The large, centuries-old tree is beautifully illuminated at night during the blooming season, creating a magical atmosphere reflected in the garden's traditional pond. The contrast between the delicate pink blossoms and the classical Japanese landscape makes it a must-visit destination for cherry blossom viewing in Tokyo.

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India: Vibrant Festivities Sweep Across Country for Holi 2026, Millions Join in Celebrations

Holi festivities swept across India on Wednesday, March 4, with a splash of color, foot-tapping music, and traditional celebrations. People exchanged sweets to mark the victory of good over evil with a smile. Cities and villages were drenched in vibrant hues as devotees and locals alike celebrated the day with a brilliant display of festive spirit.

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China: Burning Paper Spirals Into Mini Tornado After You Shen Ritual in Guangdong

A Chinese worship ceremony appeared to trigger a sudden mini tornado when burning paper offerings spiraled into the air without any warning wind. Filmed on February 25, 2026, in Lianjiang, Guangdong, the video shows ashes and flames suddenly twisting into a vertical column shortly after a traditional You Shen ritual ended. Residents had been burning paper ingots when the fire rapidly spun upward, forming what looked like a small tornado. The woman who recorded the scene, surnamed Huang, said the air had been completely still moments before the ashes violently lifted off the ground. The swirling column gradually weakened, and the burning paper fell back down as the air returned to calm.

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[Breaking News]Japan's "naked festival" leaves 3 unconscious

OKAYAMA, Japan, Feb. 22 Kyodo - Nearly naked men take part in the annual Saidaiji Eyo festival at Saidaiji temple in Okayama, western Japan, on Feb. 21, 2026. Three men became unconscious after the participants, wearing only loincloths, jostled to catch wooden sacred talismans during the traditional event dating back to the Muromachi period (1336-1573). (Kyodo)

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Japan's "naked festival" leaves 3 unconscious

Japan's "naked festival" leaves 3 unconscious

Nearly naked men take part in the annual Saidaiji Eyo festival at Saidaiji temple in Okayama, western Japan, on Feb. 21, 2026. Three men became unconscious after the participants, wearing only loincloths, jostled to catch wooden sacred talismans during the traditional event dating back to the Muromachi period (1336-1573).

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[Breaking News]Fire festival in western Japan

SHINGU, Japan, Feb. 6 Kyodo - A traditional fire festival dating back about 1,400 years is held at Kamikura shrine in Shingu in the western Japan prefecture of Wakayama on Feb. 6, 2026. (Kyodo)

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Mountain burning event in central Japan

Mountain burning event in central Japan

Spectators watch as "kaya" thatch plants are burnt during a traditional burning event on 580-meter-tall Mt. Omuro in Ito in Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan, on Feb. 15, 2026. The practice, dating back over 700 years, is said to herald the arrival of spring.

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Mountain burning event in central Japan

Mountain burning event in central Japan

Spectators watch as "kaya" thatch plants are burnt during a traditional burning event on 580-meter-tall Mt. Omuro in Ito in Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan, on Feb. 15, 2026. The practice, dating back over 700 years, is said to herald the arrival of spring.

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Pakistan: Traditional Basant Kite Festival Returns to Lahore After Past Safety Bans

The ancient Basant festival returned to the streets of Lahore for the first time in nearly two decades, marking the arrival of spring with traditional kite flying. The event was banned in 2007 following years of fatalities and injuries caused by sharp kite strings, falls from rooftops, and aerial firing.

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Pakistan: Traditional Basant Kite Festival Returns to Lahore After Past Safety Bans 2

The ancient Basant festival returned to the streets of Lahore for the first time in nearly two decades, marking the arrival of spring with traditional kite flying. The event was banned in 2007 following years of fatalities and injuries caused by sharp kite strings, falls from rooftops, and aerial firing.

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Fire festival in western Japan

Fire festival in western Japan

A traditional fire festival dating back about 1,400 years is held at Kamikura shrine in Shingu in the western Japan prefecture of Wakayama on Feb. 6, 2026.

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Fire festival in western Japan

Fire festival in western Japan

A traditional fire festival dating back about 1,400 years is held at Kamikura shrine in Shingu in the western Japan prefecture of Wakayama on Feb. 6, 2026.

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Fire festival in western Japan

Fire festival in western Japan

A traditional fire festival dating back about 1,400 years is held at Kamikura shrine in Shingu in the western Japan prefecture of Wakayama on Feb. 6, 2026.

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Traditional "hina" dolls featuring big names in Japan

TOKYO, Japan, Feb. 4 Kyodo - Video taken in Tokyo on Feb. 4, 2026, shows traditional Japanese "hina" dolls unveiled by Kyugetsu Co., featuring Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani (1st row, far L), figure skater Kaori Sakamoto (1st row, 2nd from L), ski jumper Sara Takanashi (1st row, 3rd from L), curler Sayaka Yoshimura (1st row, 2nd from R), Chicago White Sox player Munetaka Murakami (1st row, far R), snowboarder Ayumu Hirano (2nd row, L) and speed skater Miho Takagi (2nd row, R). (Kyodo)

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Traditional bean-throwing event

NACHIKATSUURA, Japan, Jan. 27 Kyodo - A traditional bean-throwing event is held at the World Heritage-listed Fudarakusan-ji temple in Nachikatsuura in Wakayama Prefecture, western Japan, on Jan. 27, 2026, for Setsubun celebration in February. (Kyodo)

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[Breaking News]Bean-throwing event in Kyoto

KYOTO, Japan, Feb. 3 Kyodo - Maiko traditional Japanese entertainers scatter roasted beans during a Setsubun bean-throwing event at Yasaka shrine in Kyoto, western Japan, on Feb. 2, 2026. (Kyodo)

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Traditional "hina" dolls featuring big names in Japan

Traditional "hina" dolls featuring big names in Japan

Photo taken in Tokyo on Feb. 4, 2026, shows traditional Japanese "hina" dolls unveiled by Kyugetsu Co., featuring Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani (1st row, far L), figure skater Kaori Sakamoto (1st row, 2nd from L), speed skater Miho Takagi (1st row, 2nd from R), ski jumper Sara Takanashi (1st row, far R), snowboarder Ayumu Hirano (2nd row L) and curler Sayaka Yoshimura (2nd row R).

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Traditional "hina" dolls featuring big names in Japan

Traditional "hina" dolls featuring big names in Japan

Photo taken in Tokyo on Feb. 4, 2026, shows traditional Japanese "hina" dolls unveiled by Kyugetsu Co., featuring Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani (1st row, far L), figure skater Kaori Sakamoto (1st row, 2nd from L), ski jumper Sara Takanashi (1st row, 3rd from L), curler Sayaka Yoshimura (1st row, 2nd from R), Chicago White Sox player Munetaka Murakami (1st row, far R), snowboarder Ayumu Hirano (2nd row, L) and speed skater Miho Takagi (2nd row, R).

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Traditional "hina" dolls featuring big names in Japan

Traditional "hina" dolls featuring big names in Japan

Photo taken in Tokyo on Feb. 4, 2026, shows traditional Japanese "hina" dolls unveiled by Kyugetsu Co., featuring Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani (front L), figure skater Kaori Sakamoto (front R), ski jumper Sara Takanashi (2nd row, R) and speed skater Miho Takagi (2nd row, 2nd from R).

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China: Dashcam Captures Horse-Drawn Wedding Carriage Overturn, Newlyweds Safe

This is the shocking moment a Chinese wedding procession turned dangerous when a traditional horse-drawn carriage carrying newlyweds overturned into a roadside ditch. The incident occurred on January 26, 2026, in Zhoukou, Henan. The carriage veered off the road, causing the horse to lose balance and the vehicle to tip over. Bystanders rushed to help, and the bride and groom were assisted to safety with no serious injuries reported.

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Bean-throwing event

Bean-throwing event

Sumo grand champion Onosato scatters roasted beans during a traditional bean-throwing event at Naritasan Shinsho-ji temple in Narita near Tokyo on Feb. 3, 2026.

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Bean-throwing event

Bean-throwing event

Sumo grand champion Hoshoryu (L) scatters roasted beans during a traditional bean-throwing event at Naritasan Shinsho-ji temple in Narita near Tokyo on Feb. 3, 2026.

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Bean-throwing event in Kyoto

Bean-throwing event in Kyoto

Maiko traditional Japanese entertainers scatter roasted beans during a Setsubun bean-throwing event at Yasaka shrine in Kyoto, western Japan, on Feb. 2, 2026.

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Bean-throwing event in Kyoto

Bean-throwing event in Kyoto

Maiko traditional Japanese entertainers scatter roasted beans during a Setsubun bean-throwing event at Yasaka shrine in Kyoto, western Japan, on Feb. 2, 2026.

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